"Bud, Not Buddy"

Bud, Not Buddy
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Theme: Diversity, Struggles and Triumphs
Primary/Secondary Characters: Bud Caldwell, Todd Collins & Herman E. Calloway
Date of Publication: Year 2004
Publishing Company: Random House Children's Books
Awards: Newbery  Honor & Coretta Scott King Award

Summary: During the Great Depression, Bud Caldwell, a ten year old boy, resides in an orphanage in Flint, Michigan. His mother died when he was young, so he knew orphanages and foster homes too well. He lived with the Collins family for quite some time, and the youngest child, Todd Collins, abused Bud and in turn, Bud ran away. The only remnants Bud had from his mother's life were a bag of stones and a photograph of her when she was a young girl, which he brought with him, as he was determined to find his father, Herman E. Calloway. With him, Bud has a flyer from his fathers old jazz band that is his only clue in finding him. Bud locates the jazz band, and Herman E. Calloway, and finds out that Calloway is not his father, but his grandfather. Bud's mother was Calloway's daughter, who had run away a long time ago. The relationship between the two begins at this point, as they have a bond that was formed at sight. This is a great book for young teenagers, as it teaches them perseverance and some about history and music. This is great for both girls and boys, and could be taught during a diversity, music, or history lesson.